My time at Kam high had a singularly defining influence on my life. I came into grade 11 not having a clue what I wanted to do with my life. I certainly was not interested in Academics, and had a fairly unimpressive (though not completely horrible) record.

It was my first year of Chem 11 with Dr. Hebden that really started changing my interests, I all of a sudden found that science could be interesting...even exciting. In grade 12 I decided to take both Chem 12 and Phys 11 (with F. Persello) and that combination served to spark my interest even more. I remember the two very different effects these teachers had. I always treated Chem 12 as a challenge to do the best. The questions were interesting and challenging, and unlike any other course I had taken. At the same time in Physics class, Mr. Persello allowed me what in hindsight seems like way too much freedom to explore questions in physics that were completely outside the curriculum. He seemed to know that this was the best way to teach me. I have many memories of sitting in his little office with his University books out looking for the answers to some stupid question I would ask. Overall Dr. Hebden challenged my ability and Mr. Persello challenged my imagination.

These interactions made my path very clear, and I went to UBC. I started in Chemistry, but later switched to Physics. My education continued to the PhD level, and after some years of postdoctoral work around the world, I became a Physics Professor in Ontario. I try to remember what I have gained by my interactions with my teachers, and I try to do the same with my University students.